The European Journalism Centre today opens a new call for applications for its Innovation in Development Reporting Grant Programme (IDR) on the topic of opportunities for women today in developing countries.

Whether tackling women’s lifelong learning, health, jobs, entrepreneurship, or new roles in their communities, the projects pitched should be original, under-reported, critical and nuanced.

“The Innovation in Development Reporting Grant Programme has granted over €4.5m to almost 400 grantees worldwide. In this latest round, we’re looking to add to that community by supporting newsrooms and freelancers covering compelling topics,” said European Journalism Centre Director Adam Thomas. “The jury are first and foremost looking for a strong, under-reported story angle. Regardless of innovative format, whether it’s via print or virtual reality, awarded projects will also demonstrate a strategic and focused approach to reaching the right audience, at the right time."

Freelancers, staffers and media organisations are eligible to apply. There is no citizenship, nationality or residence/location restriction on the applicants as long as the final results are published in media outlets with significant reach to audiences in the following European countries: France, Germany, the Netherlands, Sweden and United Kingdom. Journalists who are not specialists in development issues are strongly encouraged to apply as well.

The stories must report on one or more of the world’s developing countries, (ideally Least Developed Countries (LDCs)), and/or the key European donor countries’ development relations with these countries. Selection criteria include editorial focus and quality, impact and reach, and innovation. Previous winners have involved creative uses of video, audio, imagery, data, text, maps, graphics, quizzes, animation and other engaging content forms.

Amount awarded: The grant given is up to €20,000 per project.Deadline to apply: 21 February 2018 (22:00 CET)

For further information on applications eligibility criteria, click here. Queries on this grant should be addressed to [email protected]

Note to editors

The European Journalism Centre is an international non-profit that connects journalists with new ideas. Through grants, events, training and media development the European Journalism Centre has been building a sustainable, ethical and innovative future for journalism since 1992.

The European Journalism Centre is running the Journalism Grants Programme with support from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.